Khiri

Patron protector and guide of the beastkin of The Shards. Has periodically walked among their kind and helped them overcome many challenges. She has yet to return in longer than she ever has before, and the beastkin grows weary that outsiders are responsible.

Khiri is a mysterious and benevolent spirit who has long been a source of wonder and inspiration to the beastfolk of the Shards. In this treacherous icy region, survival is both an art and a daily battle. Shrouded in an aura of cold mist and shimmering with ethereal light, Khiri's form is ever-changing, though often described as a blend of the beasts she cherishes—feathered, furred, and horned in equal measure. Her presence is marked by an uncanny silence, broken only by her gentle, resonant voice, which carries a wisdom beyond mortal comprehension.

Khiri first appeared to the beastkin tribes during a brutal winter, her silhouette cutting through the snowstorm like a beacon of hope. Observing their tenacity and harmonious way of life, she grew fond of their culture—a delicate balance of fierce independence and deep communal ties. She admired their respect for nature, ingenuity in the hunt, and resilience in the face of the Shards' merciless cold. Over time, Khiri became a recurring figure among the tribes, often guiding their hunters to elusive prey, healing the injured, and offering advice through cryptic but insightful gestures.

Khiri's most legendary contribution to the beastkin was her aid in slaying Froskfoden, a monstrous behemoth that had long plagued their lands. Froskfoden, a nightmarish amalgamation of predatory beasts, had ravaged countless tribes, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. With her intimate knowledge of the Shards and the strength of the beastkin hunters, Khiri orchestrated a final confrontation. Using her supernatural abilities, she weakened the creature’s defenses and guided the beastkin to strike as one. The victory cemented Khiri’s status as a savior and a symbol of unity among the tribes.

In recent seasons, Khiri has vanished without a trace, leaving the beastkin tribes confused and agitated. Her absence is deeply felt; the spirit who once brought hope and guidance is now a haunting memory. As the tribes grow restless, suspicions have turned toward the neighboring elves to the east. Historically aloof and enigmatic, the elves have always been regarded with mistrust by the beastkin. Accusations of their involvement in Khiri's disappearance have begun to sow discord, threatening to disrupt the fragile balance in the Shards.

The tribes now face a pivotal moment. Without Khiri's presence, they must confront the harshness of their icy homeland and the rising tensions within their community and with their elven neighbors.